An intense investigation at a prominent Adelaide poker club has concluded, with a dealer officially cleared of wrongdoing after a dramatic incident involving a rare royal flush jackpot. The high-stakes game, which briefly drew national attention, sparked allegations and protocol concerns—but ultimately ended with the dealer’s full exoneration.
The Royal Flush That Sparked Suspicion
The controversy erupted during a packed evening session at the Adelaide Poker Club when a player hit an exceptionally rare royal flush in hearts during a No-Limit Texas Hold’em cash game. The pot involved a significant jackpot promotion tied to rare hands, triggering an automatic payout exceeding AUD 25,000.
While the table initially erupted in celebration, suspicions quickly followed. A few players raised questions about the pace of dealing, the precise card order, and whether the royal flush was truly dealt naturally. Management promptly suspended the game and launched a formal internal investigation.
Internal Review and Dealer Suspension
As a precautionary measure, the dealer in charge at the time—an experienced employee with over eight years at the club—was temporarily suspended pending the outcome of the review. The club reviewed surveillance footage, card logs, and interviewed all involved players and staff to determine whether foul play or dealer error had occurred.
Club officials also consulted with third-party gaming compliance specialists to ensure procedural fairness and transparency.
Full Exoneration and Return to Duty
After several days of scrutiny, the investigation found no evidence of cheating, manipulation, or procedural violations. Surveillance footage confirmed the hand was dealt correctly, and the winning royal flush was validated through club protocols. As a result, the dealer was fully cleared and has since resumed work.
The club released a public statement affirming its confidence in the integrity of its staff and its procedures. “We take every jackpot event seriously and are committed to maintaining transparency and fairness in all our games,” the statement read.
Player Reaction and Club Response
Reactions from the poker community have been mixed. While many players expressed relief that the matter was resolved fairly, others called for improved communication during similar events in the future. The club has responded by updating its jackpot monitoring protocols and reaffirming its zero-tolerance policy toward misconduct.
The player who won the royal flush jackpot has since received the full payout and expressed satisfaction with how the club handled the issue.
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